Faithfulness. So many examples of faithfulness come to mind: Lydia the piano teacher, Dan the choir director, Marty the Bible Quiz Team leader, Fran the 4-H leader, and Margaret the church librarian. I could fill pages with names of the faithful people in my life. Each one in his or her own way, encouraging my faithfulness.
Definition
“Faithfulness” comes from the Greek word pistis, meaning “conviction of truth.” Webster’s 1828 Online Dictionary defines “faithfulness” as “truth; veracity; as the faithfulness of God.” A thoughtful definition from the writers at GotQuestions.org gives good insight into this Fruit of the Spirit:
Biblical faithfulness requires belief in what the Bible says about God—His existence, His works, and His character. Faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit; it is the result of the Spirit working in us.
—“The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is faithfulness?” from GotQuestions.org
As I synthesize these definitions for myself, faithfulness, as a Fruit of the Spirit, is found in someone who steadfastly holds to the truth about God and acts on it, always pointing others to the same truth.
God is Faithful
Faithfulness is a core characteristic of God; His words are true, and He keeps His promises. He is completely trustworthy.
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. (Deuteronomy 7:9)
God’s faithfulness, His truthfulness and reliability, protect and defend His children.
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart” (Psalm 91:4, NIV)
He continues to defend and protect, even though we fail.
. . .if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself. (2 Timothy 2:13)
Faithfulness Comes by the Holy Spirit
God’s level of faithfulness is out of reach for us, and there is no amount of striving by which we become more faithful. We do not come to saving faith in Christ on our own understanding. Romans 10:17 says, “. . .faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” When we hear The Word, it is the Holy Spirit who enables our faith: “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. . .” (John 16:13).
The Holy Spirit is God; He is always pointing us to truth: salvation, God’s Word, repentance, and right living (to name a few). The GotQuestions.org team says,
The only way we can have such faith is by the Holy Spirit’s influence. He testifies to the truth and impels us to seek God. The Spirit makes us faithful.
— “The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is faithfulness?” from GotQuestions.org
Any faithfulness seen in me, is by the work and power of the Holy Spirit, who graciously points me toward deeper truth and conviction.
Faithfulness Leaves a Legacy
The Holy Spirit uses faithful people to encourage and guide others in faith. Throughout God’s Word we see this. The list is long of people who established and grew legacies of faith to the benefit of future generations. Hebrews 11 is a whole chapter devoted to the legacy of faithful people. These Old Testament people believed God, and taking Him at His word they obeyed. Look at what un-named men and women of faith did:
Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. (Hebrews 11:35b-38)
Wow! Faithful men and women hold to the truth no matter the circumstances. I am glad the Bible shares these stories of faith, but I am also thankful for the faithful men and women, who are part of my faith story. Especially important are my parents, whose legacy of faith now continues in the lives of my children.
In writing on this topic, I can’t help but think of Steve Green’s song, Find Us Faithful. I have posted it below. Take a moment to listen, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you recall the “great cloud of witnesses” who have faithfully pointed you to God’s truth. (Hebrews 12:1)
Fruit for Thought
As you go through your day, ask God to increase your faithfulness. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, listening and watching for opportunities to trust God more, and give thanks for those who have taught and spurred you on in the faith.
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